Taiwan is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs. Its modern infrastructure, relatively low cost of living, vibrant tech ecosystem, and strong IP protection make it an attractive location for both startups and remote professionals. Among the most powerful tools enabling foreign talent to establish a presence in Taiwan is the Taiwan Employment Gold Card.
While the Gold Card is primarily known as a work and residence permit for foreign professionals, it also opens a clear path for those looking to incorporate a company and operate a business in Taiwan. This article explores the key relationships between the Gold Card and company registration, highlighting the advantages, requirements, and common misconceptions foreign entrepreneurs should be aware of.
What Is the Taiwan Employment Gold Card?
Launched in 2018, the Taiwan Gold Card is part of a government initiative to attract foreign professionals in key industries, including:
- Technology
- Finance
- Arts and Culture
- Science and Research
- Sports
- Academia
It is a four-in-one document that includes:
- A work permit
- A residence visa
- An Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
- A multiple-entry visa
The Gold Card is valid for 1 to 3 years, and renewable. Importantly, you don’t need a job offer to apply, and you are legally permitted to work for any employer, freelance, or run your own business.
Can Gold Card Holders Set Up a Company in Taiwan?
Yes — and in fact, the Gold Card makes company incorporation easier compared to other visa types.
With a valid Gold Card:
- You can be the sole shareholder and director of a Taiwan company.
- You do not need a local Taiwanese partner or agent.
- You can serve as the company’s responsible person (legal representative).
- You do not need to apply for a separate work permit to operate or manage the company.
This makes the Gold Card particularly appealing for startups, consultants, software developers, and digital nomads who wish to formalize their business operations in Taiwan.
Benefits of Incorporating with a Gold Card
1. No Local Agent Requirement
Gold Card holders can directly register and run a business without needing to appoint a local resident as an investment agent.
2. Work Flexibility
Gold Card holders are legally permitted to operate multiple businesses, accept freelance work, and work for different clients. There’s no restriction tying you to a single employer.
3. Simplified Immigration Compliance
You don’t need to apply for a separate Type B work permit, which is required for most foreign nationals who want to manage or work in a Taiwan-based company they incorporate.
4. Eligibility for Tax Benefits
If you become a tax resident (i.e., stay in Taiwan for more than 183 days in a calendar year), and meet the “foreign special professional” criteria, you may qualify for preferential tax treatment, including:
- Only 50% of annual salary above TWD 3 million is taxable
- 50% exemption on foreign-sourced income
These incentives can lead to significant tax savings for high-earning entrepreneurs.
Company Set-Up Requirements for Gold Card Holders
The process of incorporating a company in Taiwan, even with a Gold Card, follows standard procedures:
- Company Name Pre-Approval
- Capital Registration (no minimum capital required for most industries, but at least TWD 500,000 is recommended if applying for work permits for future foreign hires)
- Business Address Registration
- Bank Account Opening
- Tax Registration and Uniform Invoice Application
While the Gold Card simplifies your eligibility and legal authority to incorporate, practical challenges like opening a bank account as a foreigner still exist. Many banks require in-person appointments and may scrutinize foreign-owned businesses more closely, especially in certain industries.
How Does Company Ownership Support Gold Card Renewal?
Although the Gold Card is not specifically a startup visa, establishing a company and generating stable income in Taiwan can strengthen your position when applying for renewal.
Some renewal considerations include:
- Documented business activity (invoices, tax filings, client contracts)
- Contributions to Taiwan’s economy or industry
- Proof of continued professional work, whether employed, freelance, or self-run
Operating a Taiwan-registered company can also demonstrate your long-term commitment to residing and contributing in Taiwan, supporting future applications for permanent residency (APRC) or naturalization.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception | Reality |
“The Gold Card is a business visa.” | ❌ Not exactly. It’s a work and residence permit for skilled professionals. But it does allow business activities. |
“You don’t need to file taxes with a Gold Card.” | ❌ Incorrect. Gold Card holders who are tax residents must file local income tax. |
“Gold Card holders can hire other foreign staff easily.” | ❌ No. Hiring foreign employees still requires separate work permits and meeting capital/income thresholds. |
“You automatically qualify for tax incentives.” | ❌ You must apply separately, and eligibility depends on income and residency status. |
Key Considerations Before You Start
Before you incorporate a company in Taiwan using your Gold Card, ask yourself:
- Do I intend to draw a salary from the company or just receive dividends?
- Will I need to hire local or foreign staff in the future?
- Do I have a commercial address for registration (virtual office or physical space)?
- Am I ready to handle accounting, tax reporting, and labor law compliance?
Taiwan is relatively business-friendly, but you’ll still need professional guidance to navigate the nuances of local law, especially in tax, employment, and banking.
Conclusion: Gold Card + Entrepreneurship = Strategic Advantage
The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is one of the most entrepreneur-friendly visa programs in Asia. It offers a clear path for foreign professionals to not only live and work in Taiwan, but to start and operate their own businesses with minimal bureaucracy.
If you’re an independent consultant, tech founder, or skilled freelancer looking to establish a business in Asia, Taiwan offers a stable, connected, and opportunity-rich base — and the Gold Card may be your key to getting started.